The scheduled programming will be available by February 17 and include eight separate shows that will be updated individually each week.

Motor Trend launched their own YouTube Channel that features original automotive content to online audiences around the world. The Motor Trend Channel is part of YouTube’s rollout of around 100 new original content channels throughout the year.

The Motor Trend Channel’s developed programs that offer unique insight from a large portfolio of automotive media brands that include Motor Trend, Hot Rod, Motorcyclist, Lowrider, FourWheeler, Dirt Rider, Car Craft, Automobile, Import Tuner and more. The programs cover first rides and drives to tests of the latest two- and four-wheeled machinery, as well as automotive lifestyle and documentaries.

“We are really treating this like a TV channel,” said Source Interlink Media Chief Content Officer and Motor Trend Channel Executive Producer Angus MacKenzie. “Though a common thread is our focus on cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and automotive culture, we are offering different content and a range of program formats. There’ll be something on the channel for everyone, regardless of their particular automotive passion.”

“Automotive is an extremely popular category on YouTube,” said Alex Carloss, head of original programming at YouTube. “We’re excited to bring a company like Motor Trend to our platform where millions of fans around the world can tune in and watch some of their favorite Motor Trend content.”

“One of the most exciting things about this new initiative – and what separates it from linear or traditional TV – is how interactive Internet television is,” MacKenzie added. “These new channels are very social-media driven. We can immediately communicate with our viewers for instantaneous feedback on what they do and don’t like, and what they’d like to see more of.”

The scheduled programming will be available by February 17 and include eight separate shows that will be updated individually each week.

Ignition: A weekly five-minute show featuring first drives and first tests of the hottest new cars, trucks and SUVs from around the world. New episodes uploaded every Monday

Roadkill: A feature-length, 22-minute program following the exploits of Hot Rod’s David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan as they continue their love/hate relationship with hot rods, street machines and other highly strung performance vehicles. New episodes uploaded every third Friday beginning Feb. 17

Wide Open Throttle: A five-minute weekly roundup of automotive news and events from around the world. The show is hosted and presented from a unique studio environment, and includes segments from channel experts on location from around the globe. New episodes uploaded every Thursday

On Two Wheels: This show features first rides and first tests of the newest and hottest motorcycles from around the world. Presented by experts from Motor Trend channel’s portfolio of motorcycling brands, including Motorcyclist and Dirt Rider, it delivers the most complete and in-depth coverage of all types of two-wheeled machines. New episodes uploaded every other Wednesday

Hot Rod Unlimited: Hot Rod Unlimited is where anything goes in the world of American performance cars. Every other Friday the show features subjects as varied as those in Hot Rod Magazine, including muscle cars, street machines, hot rods, wild trucks, and more. New episodes uploaded every other Friday beginning Feb. 10

Epic Drives: A feature-length program featuring amazing road trips from around the world. This monthly 22-minute show visits interesting locations in interesting cars. New episodes uploaded the first Friday of each month

The Downshift: The Downshift airs fascinating stories on interesting personalities, and incredible machinery from beyond the automotive mainstream. The show celebrates the diversity of cars and car culture from extreme off-roading, drifting import cars, lowriders and action sport stars who love cars. New episodes uploaded every Tuesday

“After six years of building our own channel, which counts more than 147 million video views and 153,000 subscribers, we’re incredibly excited at what this new development will bring,” said MacKenzie. “This was the next logical step for SIM as it continues its transformation from a legacy magazine publishing business to a media-neutral content creation company. The channels and content provided by Motor Trend and others under YouTube’s initiative represent a paradigm shift for how enthusiasts watch and consume video online.”

Most concept car drives take place in the smooth safety of a secluded proving ground or a closed racetrack but we drive the hand-finished Audi E-Tron GT concept on the cratered streets of downtown L.A.